“I can do that,” Julius said. “If you wish it.” Ptolemy glanced quizzically at him and Julius went on. “You might not want to be returned to him. Have you thought of that? I could demand that your courtiers be banished, and you could rule with Cleopatra once more without their influence.”

The boy’s eyes were dark and unfathomable. Julius did not know him well enough to see if he had reached him.

“Why are you doing this?” Ptolemy said at last. “Are you lusting after my sister? Or is it my younger flesh you desire?”

Julius controlled his temper. “If you were a son of mine, I would have you beaten for speaking to me in that way,” he said. “I may still.”

“You would not dare,” Ptolemy replied, with such confidence that Julius was taken aback. He considered calling for a switch, but settled himself, resting his hands on his knees.

“You were very rude to Panek,” Ptolemy said, clearly enjoying the memory. “He had to lie down afterwards, with cool drinks and slaves to massage away his anger. You are a rude people, I think.”

“He is an irritating vulture,” Julius replied.

Some of the tension eased out of Ptolemy and Julius suspected he had struck a chord at last.

“May I see your sword?” Ptolemy asked suddenly.

Without a word, Julius drew the short gladius and handed it over. The boy seemed astonished as he took it from Julius’s hand and immediately pointed it at the seated consul.

“Are you not afraid I will kill you with it?” he asked.

Julius shook his head slowly, watching for the slightest move. “I am not. The blade is nothing without the man to hold it. You could not strike before I had taken it from you.”

Ptolemy looked into his eyes and saw nothing but honesty. He turned away and tried to swing the short blade, his wrist bending under the weight.

“Would you like to learn its use?” Julius said.

For a moment, he saw Ptolemy’s face light up, then clouds of suspicion dimmed his interest. He turned it round awkwardly and handed it back hilt-first.

“Do not pretend to be my friend, Roman. I am nothing more than a bargaining piece to you, yes? Something to be used for whatever it is you really want. You are my enemy and I will not forget it.” He paused and clenched one of his fists. “When I am a man, I will make you remember how you kept me prisoner, Roman. I will come for you with an army like locusts. I will see your joints smashed with hammers and your skin burnt. You will know me then!”

Julius stared at the ferocious expression on the boy. “You have some growing to do first,” he said, rising to his feet.